Kathleen Balfe
| Kathleen Balfe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
1893 Drogheda, Ireland |
| Died |
14 September 1984 (aged 90–91) Drogheda, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Other names | Kathleen Dempsey |
| Known for | First woman on the Drogheda Corporation |
Kathleen Balfe (1893 – 14 September 1984) was an Irish nationalist who was a founder member of Cumann na mBan in Drogheda and the first woman member of the Drogheda corporation in 1967.[1][2]
Life and work
Born Kathleen Balfe in Drogheda to Hugh and Rose Balfe in 1893. She had 9 siblings many of whom were also involved in the Irish nationalist movement. Her sister Mary was the youngest daughter and also a member of Cumann na mBan while her brothers Hugh, Frank and Joseph became joined the Irish Republican Army and were members of a Flying Column during the War of Independence.[2][3] She married Vincent Dempsey who died in 1937 leaving her to raise their family with her sister's help. The Dempseys had five children including daughters Gertie Shields who established the campaigning group Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Ireland and Deirdre, and sons Vincent, Aidan and Raymond, who has been mayor of Drogheda.[4][5]
Political life
She joined the Cumann na mBan in 1917. From 1919-1921 she was involved in the War of Independence. Her role involved visiting prisoners in the local Royal Irish Constabulary barracks and at least once carrying a machine gun to be used for an attack on the Ardee barracks. A Fine Gael supporter Balfe ran for and was elected to the Drogheda Corporation in 1967.[4][3][4][5][2]
She retired at the age of 81 and died in 1984.[3]
References
Source
- "Story of the Balfe Family". 12 September 2012.
- "Honouring Drogheda woman".
- "Obituary". 6 February 2013.